Appetizer > Italian

Cecina and Artichoke Bruschetta Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 cup chickpea flour
- 1 1/2 cups water
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
- 1 loaf Italian bread, sliced

Special equipment needed:
- Large mixing bowl
- Whisk
- 9-inch baking dish
- Chef's knife
- Cutting board
- Grill or grill pan

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the chickpea flour, water, olive oil, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

3. Pour the mixture into a 9-inch baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

4. While the cecina is baking, chop the artichoke hearts and mix them with the Parmesan cheese, parsley, and basil in a separate bowl.

5. Grill the sliced Italian bread until lightly toasted on both sides.

6. Once the cecina is done baking, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Cut it into small squares.

7. Top each slice of grilled bread with a spoonful of the artichoke mixture and a few pieces of cecina.

8. Serve immediately.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Temperature:
Grill or grill pan: medium-high heat
Oven: 375°F
Serving size:
Makes 6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 250
Fat: 12g
Carbohydrates: 27g
Protein: 10g
Fiber: 4g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Chickpea flour can be substituted with all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour.
- Artichoke hearts can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.

Variations:
- Add sliced cherry tomatoes or roasted garlic to the artichoke mixture.
- Top with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or pesto.
- Use a different type of bread, such as sourdough or French bread.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure the cecina is cooked all the way through before removing it from the oven.
- Use a sharp knife to cut the cecina into small squares.
- Brush the bread with olive oil before grilling for extra flavor.

Storage instructions:
Store any leftover cecina and artichoke mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the cecina and artichoke mixture in a microwave-safe dish and heat in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Toast the bread in a toaster or on a grill pan.

Presentation ideas:
Arrange the bruschetta on a large platter and garnish with fresh herbs.

Garnishes:
Fresh herbs, such as parsley or basil.

Pairings:
Serve with a glass of white wine or a light beer.

Suggested side dishes:
- Mixed green salad with a vinaigrette dressing
- Roasted vegetables, such as zucchini or bell peppers

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cecina is not crispy enough, bake it for a few more minutes.
- If the bread is too hard to grill, brush it with olive oil or butter before grilling.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure the cecina is cooked all the way through before serving.
- Store any leftover cecina and artichoke mixture in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Food history:
Cecina is a traditional Italian flatbread made from chickpea flour. It originated in the Tuscan region of Italy and is often served as an appetizer or snack.

Flavor profiles:
The cecina has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor, while the artichoke mixture is tangy and savory.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the bruschetta as an appetizer or light lunch.

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Region: Italian

Taste: Savory, Tangy, Herby, Garlicky, Umami